GAIM Ops Cayman: Best Rates Expire this Friday, Dec 16!

Register by December 16 and Save up to $800! 

One year after the Dodd Frank Act has passed, hedge fund due diligence and compliance is more important than ever. The decision to invest in new funds is now equally weighted between the investment strategy and the due diligence review of a fund.

GAIM Ops Cayman 2012 reflects this renewed focus on counterparty risk and investor due diligence after the fall of MF Global.

What’s New for 2012:

• Fresh Insight from 50+ New Speakers

• Increased Attendee Participation with 4 NEW INTERACTIVE SESSIONS with Investors, Consultants, Hedge Funds and Fund of Funds

• More Time to Network with 16+ HOURS of Formal and Informal Meeting Time

• New Focus on Counterparty Risk, Corporate Governance, Transparency and Investor Needs

• A Rare Look into the Most Important Priorities of Chief Compliance Officers and Chief Risk Officers 

• A 4-Hour Due Diligence Overview for Investors on Sunday afternoon

GAIM Ops Cayman is the ONLY FORUM where you can meet:

• Senior Leaders of The Hedge Fund Due Diligence Community

• People who Perform Operational Due Diligence on Your Fund

• Experts in Hedge Fund Regulation

• Top Compliance and Risk Management Professionals

GAIM Ops Cayman provides the best opportunity to network with senior leaders in the hedge fund due diligence industry.

You can’t afford to miss this event, so secure your spot early as it’s going to sell out. Register by December 16, 2011 to take advantage of our best rates and save up to $800.

We look forward to seeing you in Cayman!

Save the Date: GAIM Ops Cayman, April 22-25, 2012

Save the Date for GAIM Ops Cayman, April 22-25, 2012

Mark your calendar for the 7th Annual GAIM Ops Cayman conference, taking place April 22-25, 2012, to discuss the critical changes affecting the hedge fund industry and leave with new insights on improving your operational due diligence, compliance and risk management procedures going forward.  This event has traditionally sold out so secure your place today.

Top 5 Reasons You Need to Attend GAIM Ops Cayman 2012:

1.	Senior Level Attendees: Over 400 senior level executives, including CCO, CFO, CROs and Heads of Operational Due Diligence converge at one place and one time
2.	Regulatory Guidance: Over 5 hours of regulatory updates including 2 live SEC Video Conferences and the latest on insider trading, Form PF, and OTC derivatives
3.	New Developments That Affect Your Business: From the renewed focus on corporate governance, transparency and counterparty risk, get cutting edge information you need to enhance your due diligence skills
4.	Peer-to-Peer Knowledge Sharing: Participate in 16+ hours of formal and informal networking including speaker hosted lunches, breakfast meetings and champagne roundtables with 125+ speakers and over 40 conference sessions.
5.	Save money, miles, and time: Benefit from first class education and networking at the conference and meet with your many on-island industry partners.

If you are interested in speaking, email kgriffiths@iirusa.com for more information.

Our conference provides the best opportunity to network with experts in the industry. You can’t afford to miss this event so secure your spot early as this event will sell out.

Be sure to register by December 16, 2011 to take advantage of our best rates and 

save up to $800, use code: U2565LKN1

Last Chance to Register for GAIM Ops International

We didn’t see your name on this list of senior level operational due diligence professionals. GAIM Ops International provides the only opportunity to network with your global counterparts in the hedge fund industry.

Here is a list of attending organizations:
• CACEIS  
• JPMorgan  
• Deloitte LLP
• EIM Management  
• Eversheds  
• ManagementPlus Group
• Meridian Fund Services (USA) LLC  
• Theta Capital  
• Albourne Partners
• WR Managed Accounts  
• CarVal Investors  
• PAAMCO
• Hilltop Fund Management LLP  
• Viteos Fund Services  
• Risk Pro Ltd
• Infrahedge  
• VTM Fundmanagement AG  
• Rothstein Kass
• IAM Research, LLC  
• Pareto Capital International  
• Comada
• Olympia Capital Management  
• Hudson Bay Capital Management  
• Hsbc Securities Services
• Securis Investments Partners Ltd  
• Miura Global Management, LLC  
• FQS Capital Management
• Deutsche Bank AG  
• Gottex Fund Management  
• Signet Captial Management
• Cutting Hedge Consulting  
• La Fayette Investment Management  
• Laven Partners
• Galaxie Financial Group LLC  
• Liongate Capital Management  
• CHO llc
• Moody's Investors Service  
• BackTrack Reports  
• Meridian Fund Services
• RBC Dexia  
• KPMG Channel Islands Ltd  
• Baronsmead Partners LLP
• Stanhope Capital LLP  
• Pershing Square  
• Limestone Advisors Ltd.
• Thalia SA  
• Imagine Software  
• Hedge Funds Standard Board
• Future Fund  
• Gupta Family Office  
• RAB Capital plc
• Prologue Capital LLP  
• Arrowgrass Capital Partners  
• Cevian Capital AB
• Partners Advisers SA  
• Infinity-Capital SAM  
• Advent Software
• UBP Asset Management  
• ERAAM  
• Intishar Tourist Services
• Asterias Ltd  
• dms Management (Ireland) Limited  
• ABN Amro Private Banking
• Da Vinci Invest AG  
• KB Associates  
• SS & C Fund Services
• Pamplona Capital Management LLP  
• Gems Advisors Ltd.  
• Towers Watson
• Sothic Capital Management  
• Mercer  
• INOKS Capital SA
• Navigant Consulting  
• South Street Capital Management LP  
• Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
• Fauchier Partners  
• KPMG  
• Mourant Ozannes
• Opalesque  
• MKP Capital Management LLC  
• Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan
• Union Bancaire Privée, UBP SA  
• Lyxor Asset Management  
• DWS Investments
• Amber Partners  
• UBS  
• Fulcrum Asset Management LLP
• Protégé Partners, LLC  
• Reyl Asset Management  
• WyeTree Asset Management Limited
• HSBC
• International Asset Management  
• COO Connect
• Duff & Phelps  
• Culross Global Management Limited  
• Culross Global Management Limited
• Nestle Capital Advisers  
• LGT Capital Partners  
• IMC Asset Management
• WingSail Capital LLC  
• Castle Hall Alternatives  
• Spectrum Value Management Ltd
• Orchard Harbour  
• Aurora Investment Management LLC  
• Saguenay Strathmore Capital
• SwissAnalytics Ltd.  
• Pictet & Cie  
• Kedge Capital Services Ltd
• Marshall Wace LLP  
• Signina Capital AG  
• ML Capital Ltd.
• Linedata  
• PSP Investments  
• LaCrosse Global Fund Services
• BNP Paribas Securities Services  
• Northern Trust  
• Barclays
• Carne Global Financial Services Ltd  
• WTP Advisors  
• Jaitly LLP.
• Norges Bank Investment Management
• Canada Pension Plan Investment Board  
• Amundi Alternative Investments SAS London Branch
• Banque Privée Edmond de Rothschild S.A.
• Constellation Investment Consulting
• Shell Asset Management Company BV
• Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP  
• Edmond de Rothschild Investment Managers  
•  The Alternative Investment Management Association Limited (AIMA)

Register today to ensure your place at GAIM Ops International.

The three day event, focused on operational due diligence, compliance and risk management, is packed with sessions that discuss the recent industry developments and boasts 200+ attendees and 10 + hours of invaluable meeting opportunities. Don’t miss the opportunity to share best practices with your global counterparts.

Click Here for the Complete Agenda!

The Impact of the Weavering Judgment

The courts in Cayman have spoken and the spotlight is shining on the role of hedge fund board of directors. In the recent case of Weavering Macro Fixed Income Limited vs. Stefan Peterson and Hans Ekstrom, the Grand Court of the Cayman Island delivered a $111 million judgment against the Board of Directors for willful neglect and default. The court paid particular attention to the conduct during the Board of Directors meetings. This case has attracted significant media attention.

This topic will be explored in depth at GAIM Ops International during an extended session on Wednesday 12 October, 2011. In this session you will be able to hear from actual Board of Directors’ and Allocators as they discuss the implications of this case on the profession.

 Session Details
The Changing Landscape of Corporate Governance Practices in the Hedge Fund Industry
• Current perspectives from both directors and investors
• What type of transparency should investors be entitled to from the funds directors?
• What can we learn from the recent Weavering judgment?
• Should the investor community publish a director’s approved list?
• Timing and frequency of meetings, items that should be on the agenda, conflicts of interest, independence, and how to resolve disputes

Moderator: Eric Lazear, Head of Operational Due Diligence, FQS Capital Partners
Don Ebanks, Managing Director, dms Management Ireland
Malcolm Paterson, Director, Signina Capital AG Matthew Auriemma, Head of Operational Risk Management, UBP Asset Management
John Ward, Head of Operational Due Diligence, EIM Management (USA) Inc.
William Jones, Managing Director, ManagementPlus Group
Joyce E. Heinzerling, Principal, Meridian Fund Advisors
Roisin Cater, Principal, Carne Global Financial Services Ltd

Join us at GAIM Ops International- The premier event strengthening operational due diligence in response to game changing industry trends. Click here to review a list of the expert speakers.

 Why Do You Need to Be At GAIM Ops International? 

1. Global Attendance- Over 200 senior level executives from around the world at one place and one time
2. Regulatory Guidance- Drill down on the implications of recent regulations and hear what is happening at the FSA, SEC and European Commission
3. Peer to Peer Knowledge Sharing- Participate in 10+ hours of formal and informal networking including speed networking, speaker hosted lunches and champagne roundtables
4. Two Full Day Workshops- Deepen your knowledge in one subject- choose between "360 Degree View on Valuation Issues" or "Investor Due Diligence"
5. Cutting Edge Sessions- From the latest trends in due diligence to new developments in UCITS and managed accounts to cloud computing, this year's program is bursting with new ideas to spark conversation.

 Click Here for the Complete Brochure

This year’s conference will be located at the President Wilson Hotel in downtown Geneva. It is centrally located to allow you easy access to set up business appointments and provide numerous options for evening activities.

Last Chance to Save On GAIM Ops International

Don’t miss out on GAIM Ops International, which provides an unrivaled opportunity to network with the global leaders in operational due diligence and compliance across the globe from Europe, United States, and Asia.

Over 250 senior level professionals have already confirmed their attendance - 
Click here to see who is speaking so far 

The hedge fund world is rapidly evolving as regulators finalize the details of all the new reporting requirements. At the same time, investors are clamoring for increased transparency and better due diligence for current and future investments. Senior level operational due diligence professionals are addressing these issues including:

How to Conduct a Detailed Review on the Board of Directors (EXTENDED SESSION)
• Timing and frequency of meetings, items that should be on the agenda, conflicts of interest, independence, and how to resolve disputes
• What responsibility and liability does the Board have?
• Analysis of compensation, independence and structure of the Board
• Availability and review of Board of Directors records
Moderator: Eric Lazear, Head of Operational Due Diligence, FQS Capital Partners Don Ebanks, Managing Director, dms Management Ireland Malcolm Paterson, Director, Signina Capital AG Sophie van Straelen, President, Asterias Limited Matthew Auriemma, Head of Operational Risk Management, UBP Asset Management

  Demystifying the Due Diligence Process from the Hedge Funds Perspective
• Desire to receive more feedback from investors
• Questions that due diligence professionals should ask but don’t
• Increased demands from investors as consolidation continues- how can the mega funds allocate the COO or CFO time to meet all the potential investors
• How do investors balance their requirements for performance and controls?
Moderator: Howard Altman, Co-CEO and Co-Managing Principal, Rothstein Kass Hendrik Klein, CEO, Da Vinci Invest AG Didier Martineau, CEO, Sothic Capital Management Brian J. Tsai, Chief Operating Officer, IMC Asset Management

Expert Panel: Establishing Best Practices in ODD 
• Timing and frequency on initial and follow-up review
• Rating scales for reports
• Staffing and location challenges
Moderator: James Newman, Head of Operational Due Diligence, Barclays Max Ferri, Senior ODD Analyst, Laven Partners Odi Lahav, Vice President — Team Leader (Hedge Funds), Moody's Investors Service Alan Swersky, Director, Duff & Phelps Justine Lee, Senior Investment Consultant, Head of Operational Due Diligence, Towers Watson

Click Here for the Complete Brochure 

New Need To Meet Speakers Just Added To The Agenda
Carl Kruger, Director Operational Due Diligence, Gottex Fund Management
David Canty, Head of Operational Due Diligence, Fund of Funds, Pamplona Capital Management LLP Brian Dawson, Partner & Chief Operating Officer, WingSail Capital LLC
Ronald Paterson, Partner, Eversheds LLP

GAIM Ops International is the premier event strengthening operational due diligence in response to game changing industry trends. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet and network with the best in the industry.


Best rates expire 9th September 2011- Save €200!

We look forward to seeing you in Geneva!

New Speakers Added to GAIM Ops International - Best Rates Expire Aug. 12th

During periods of uncertainty, the ability to perform a thorough operational due diligence and compliance review is crucial.

GAIM Ops International provides the opportunity to learn from and network with the best global experts in the due diligence hedge fund industry from Europe, United States and Asia.

We are constantly evolving the program to deliver the a robust program and the most sought after thought leaders in operational alternative due diligence.

We have added the following new speakers to the program:

• Naboth Nyamazana, Director, Operational Risk, Alternate Investments, Union Bancaire Priveé, UBP SA
• Francisco Garrido, Senior Operational Due Diligence Analyst, Liongate Capital Management
• Ron Biscardi, Chief Operating Officer, Accord Family Office
• Joe Davidson, Chief Operating Officer, Fulcrum Asset Management LLP
• Michael Paciullo, Global Head of Operational Due Diligence, IAM Research, LLC
• Henry Kenner, CEO, Arrowgrass Capital Partners
• Carl Kruger, Director, Operational Due Diligence, Gottex Fund Management
• Christian Nauer, Executive Director Head of Due Diligence, SwissAnalytics Ltd.
• Joyce E. Heinzerling, Principal, Meridian Fund Advisors
• Justine Lee, Senior Investment Consultant, Head of Operational Due Diligence, Towers Watson
• Gareth James, Head of Hedge Funds Solutions, Luxembourg Financial Group A.G.
• Malcolm Goddard, Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Altima Partners LLP
• Howard Altman, Co-CEO and Co-Managing Principal and Principal-in-Charge of the Firm’s Financial Services Group, Rothstein Kass

Click here to review the full list of expert speakers that will be at GAIM Ops International to share best practices and latest trends in operational due diligence, compliance and risk management.

Register by 12 August and save up to £300.

Choose from a choice of 2 full day preconference workshops on Valuing Hard to Value Assets and Understanding the Changing Needs of Investors.

Don’t miss this chance to network with the global hedge fund community and network with industry leaders from Europe, Asia and the United States!

How to Gain Exclusive Access to International Senior Level Due Diligence Professionals?

What Makes GAIM Ops International The Must Attend Due Diligence Event of the Year?

→ You Gain Exclusive Access to a Lineup of International Senior Level Due Diligence Professionals through 10+ hours of Dedicated Networking Time

→  You Can Strengthen Your Due Diligence Skills & Ensure your Company is in Compliance with New Regulations through Interactive Best Practice Sessions

→ You Can meet your Next Business Partner: Hundreds of Top Tier Hedge Funds, Funds of Hedge Funds, Administrators, Valuation Experts and More in Attendance

→ Your Choice of Full Day Workshop Valuation Learn How to Value Hard-to-Value Assets or-Insight into the Changing Needs of Investors - Click here for pre conference agenda

→ One Comprehensive 3 Day Event Means the Most Value for your Dollar - Click here for the full conference program

Hear from the Most Senior Level Decision Makers in Operational Due Diligence, Compliance and Risk Management including:

Allocators and Fund of Funds:

• Mark K. Hannoush, Director, Operational Due Diligence, Investment Finance, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan
• Alain Dubois, Chairman of the Board, Lyxor Asset Management
• Carlos Ferreira, Director, Operational Due Diligence, PAAMCO
• Raphaël Bellaïche, Head of Operational Due Diligence, Edmond de Rothschild Investment Managers
• Fabrice Zamboni, Chief Operating Officer, Olympia Capital Management
• Emlyn A. Palmer, Partner & COO, Strathmore Capital
• Michael Paciullo, Global Head of Operational Due Diligence, IAM Research, LLC

Hedge Funds
• Duncan Tiplady, Deputy COO/CFO, Prologue Capital LLP
• Richard Day, Chief Operating Officer, ML Capital Ltd.
• Hendrik Klein, CEO, Da Vinci Invest AG
• Sam Broadhead, Chief Compliance Officer/Chief Operating Officer, WyeTree Asset Management Limited
• Daniel Page, Managing Director and COO, Limestone Advisors Ltd
• Joseph Zeng, Managing Director, Greenwoods Asset Management HK Ltd
• Tim Barefield, COO, Pershing Square Capital Management

Click here for a full list of our expert speaker faculty

Take advantage of this opportunity to meet and network with the best in the industry.

Register today to save £400!

GAIM: Geopolitical Risk // Macroeconomic Insight // Alternative Investment

We wanted to share some exciting news with you: We have launched new online platforms for hedge funds and investors interested in participating in GAIM GMA 2011 and GAIM USA 2012, who want to be part of our community, which is aimed at networking and knowledge sharing. Additionally, we will update you on our latest research and event news.

Join us:

	Join the GAIM – GAIM GMA & GAIM USA Group on LinkedIn
	Follow us  @_GAIM on twitter
	Friend us  @_GAIM on Stock Twits

Learn more about GAIM GMA 2011 and GAIM USA 2012:

GAIM GMA 2011
The 2nd Annual GAIM GMA (Geopolitical Risk, Macro Economic Insight and Alternative Investment) Event will be held on October 11th and 12th at the Sentry Towers in New York City and will create an opportunity for hedge funds and investors to engage in an important dialogue with leading economists, strategists, policy makers and central bankers and to hear their prescriptions for navigating the risks and opportunities in the year ahead. Moreover, the GMA conference, like all GAIM events, is structured to promote business development so that hedge fund industry members can both form powerful connections and have access to current market and industry information.

Sign up for the complete agenda

RSVP & Save the date at Facebook, Linkedin, Plancast, Lanyrd

GAIM USA 2012

The of the flagship hedge fund industry conference, held each January in Boca Raton, Florida, and  renowned for delivering a program where the leading minds of the alternative investment industry share a sophisticated exchange of ideas, offer unique insights into the best investment opportunities in the year ahead and gain timely updates on important changes impacting the investment industry. The event attracts an influential audience representing key decision makers at many of the most influential investment institutions in the world. 

Sign up for the complete agenda

RSVP & Save the date at  Facebook, Linkedin, Plancast, Lanyrd.com

Finance expert defends hedge fund business

Coverage of GAIM Ops Cayman:

Despite the bad press surrounding the hedge fund business these controversial funds play an important and useful role in society according to one finance expert. While the media may prefer writing about the salaries earned by hedge fund managers, Edward H. Dougherty, Partner at Deloitte & Touche a speaker at this week’s GAIM Ops Cayman conference, said it was about time the public was properly informed about the positive side of the industry. Dougherty was speaking to one of the biggest ever attendances of the conference, now in its sixth year currently being held at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman when he gave the audience his top ten reasons why hedge funds were good for society.

Read the rest at Caymanhedgefunds.com

The Shifting Landscape in Hedge Fund Reporting

Time is Running Out to Register for GAIM Ops Cayman!

Don’t miss out on GAIM Ops Cayman, the premier forum for Operational Due Diligence, Risk Management and Compliance for the Alternative Investment industry. We will have over 400 senior level professionals in attendance-Click here to see who is coming.

We continue to enhance the agenda and have just added the following session:

The Shifting Landscape in Hedge Fund Reporting

• Satisfying Regulatory Requirements: Financial Stability Oversight Council/Form PF/UCITS
• Satisfying Investor Requirements: Pensions/Endowments/Funds of Funds
• Incorporating External Requirements into your Internal Risk Management Process

Moderator: Ron Papanek, Executive Director, Alternative Investments Business, MSCI Tilak Lal, Director, Risk Management, K2 Advisors LLC

We've also added the following new speakers to the conference program which features 40+ sessions, over 110 expert senior level speakers and more than 5 hours of regulatory guidance:

• Yolanda McCoy, Head of the Investment and Securities Division, CIMA
• Michael Merrigan, Director Risk Management, Gottex Fund Management
• Robert F. Bossé, Managing Director, Head of Business Development & Client Management, BNY Mellon Clearing, LLC
• Brent Blaze, Senior Vice President, Citi
• William Jones, Managing Director, ManagementPlus Group
• Orla. Nallen Managing Director of Alternative Services, The Bank of New York Mellon

Click Here for Full Speaker List.

GAIM Ops Cayman is the premier event strengthening operational due diligence in response to game changing industry trends. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet and network with the best in the industry.

To View the Complete Updated Agenda, Click Here.

Official Call for Conference Speakers: GAIM Ops Europe 2011

Help us spread the word:

The 3rd Annual GAIM Ops Europe Conference in Geneva, Switzerland is scheduled for 12-14 October, 2011. We hope you can join us!

If you are interested in speaking at the 3rd Annual GAIM Ops Europe Conference, please contact Rachel Lewyn, Conference Director via email or Tel: +1 646 895 7409.

GAIM Ops Europe is designed for CFOs, COOs, CCOs, Heads of Risk Management and Heads of Operational Due Diligence from leading institutions and top-tier funds of funds and hedge funds.

Some of the topics we are researching for the 2011 Program include:

• Latest developments in US and European regulations
• Managing the changing priorities of the investors
• What questions should you ask during your interview to get better answers
• Will UCITS be the next bubble to burst?
• How innovations in technology can help save time, money and resources
• Debate: Should you outsource due diligence?

What Makes GAIM Ops Europe the Only Must-Attend Due Diligence of the Year?

• One Comprehensive 3 Day Event Means The Most Value For Your Dollar
• Gain Exclusive Access to Global Lineup of over 250 Due Diligence
• Professionals Through 10+ hours of dedicated networking time
• Strengthen Your Due Diligence Skills & Ensure Compliance With New
• Regulations through Interactive Best Practices Sessions
• Meet Your Next Business Partner: Hundreds Of Top Tier Hedge Funds, Fund of Funds, Administrators Valuation Firms And More In Attendance
• Comprehensive 8 Hour Program arming You With Tools To Value Hard to Value Assets
• Share Best Practices with the Senior due Diligence and Compliance Leaders
• Global Attendees from the Largest Funds of Funds and Hedge Funds
• Hear Qualified Guidance On Strategies to Stay Ahead of the Recent Regulatory Changes

For more information on all upcoming Due Diligence, Compliance & Risk conferences, visit IIRUSA.com.

Institutional Hedge Fund Investing Comes of Age

If you haven't had a chance to browse through the GAIM Ops Cayman site yet we want to bring your attention to two great resources you perhaps haven't see yet:

Our exhibit partner, SEI Knowledge Partnership offer us their insights on Institutional Hedge Fund Investing Coming of Age

And our event partner, Deloitte, gives us a scope of Deloitte in the Cayman Islands.

We invite you to take a look.

How to Proactively Seize the Spotlight When Your Hedge Fund Makes the Front Pages

Recently there's been story after story in the media about possible insider trading within the hedge fund industry. The Keys to survival?

• Comprehending the crisis and communication protocols
• Handling press inquiries appropriately
• Managing confidential information
• Identifying when to retain outside assistance

We invite you to join us for the "Proactively Seizing the Spotlight When Your Fund is on the Front Pages" session in the "New Products/Markets and Industry Developments" track of the 6th Annual GAIM Ops Cayman to discuss and explore this critical issue more with Steve Bruce, Managing Partner at ASC Advisors, LLC, Carolyn Miller, Former GC at the Galleon Group, and Daniel Gagnier, Managing Director of Sard Verbinnen.

Click here to learn more about the 6th Annual GAIM Ops Cayman

Join us at GAIM Ops Cayman in May

With the early bird savings expiring this week, we wanted to share some new information with you about the event. We’re on track to beat previous pre-Recession attendance records (that means a sell out!)

You should plan to attend this program to get updated on the current topics of the day, catch up with old colleagues, make new acquaintances and meet with your Cayman partners, all at the same time.

If that isn’t enough, the following experts have signed on to join us to work through key industry issues such as translating new regulation ala Dodd Frank with 5 hours of practical guidance, and ensuring an air tight due diligence and compliance process.

• Julianne Recine, Director of Operational Due Diligence, SCIENS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
• James Newman, Head of Operational Due Diligence, BARCLAYS WEALTH
• Nicholas Denton-Clark, Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer - Americas, PINEBRIDGE INVESTMENTS LLC
• Rick Leifels, Head of Operational Due Diligence, TITAN ADVISORS
• Bruce Berger, COO/CFO, ATLANTIC INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
• Ken Weiller, Chief Operating Officer, SABA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.P
• Marc Baum, General Counsel, SERENGETI ASSET MANAGEMENT
• Don Seymour, Managing Director, DMS MANAGEMENT LTD.
• Bikram Singh, Global Head OTC Derivative Services, CITI
• Steve Bruce, Managing Partner, ASC ADVISORS, LLC
• Bryan J. Morris, Former Assistant Chief Accountant - Division of Investment Management - SEC, AERS Partner DELOITTE & TOUCHE
• David Nable, Vice President, GOLDMAN SACHS
• Michael DeJarnette, President, NORTHPOINT TRADING PARTNERS, LLC

Make the Most of Your Conference Dollar - 10 Hours of Formal and Informal Networking Including:

Hosted VIP Speaker Roundtables:
Continue learning during lunchtime as you join a speaker hosted lunch table

C-level only Sessions:
Share your thoughts with your peers in a closed door sessions that promote brainstorming and getting to know your fellow participants.

Champagne Roundtables:
End the day informally as you share off the record war stories on current issues facing the industry with other conference attendees.

Business Card Exchange:
Make sure you catch up with every attendee at the event by Joining peer to peer networking during the business card exchange.

Due Diligence Challenge:
Test your knowledge in a new game show format. This session will enhance your conference experience as you find out if you can answer the questions correctly

GAIM Ops Cayman is the premier event strengthening operational due diligence in response to game changing industry trends. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet and network with the best in the industry.

Visit www.GAIMOpsCayman.com to learn more.

Exclusive Prison Interview: Bernard L. Madoff Speaks to the Gray Lady

In his first interview since his arrest in December of 2008, Bernard Madoff tells the New York Times, “that unidentified banks and hedge funds were somehow “complicit” in his elaborate fraud, an about-face from earlier claims that he was the only person involved.”

The article notes that during the private two-hour interview, Madoff went on to say, ““They had to know, but the attitude was sort of, ‘If you’re doing something wrong, we don’t want to know,” and yet he did not say “that any specific bank or fund knew about or was an accomplice in his Ponzi scheme, which lasted at least 16 years and consumed about $20 billion in lost cash and almost $65 billion in paper wealth. Rather, he cited a failure to conduct normal scrutiny.”

The interview and the research conducted were part of the reporter’s leg work for an upcoming book, “The Wizard of Lies: Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust,” out for publication this spring. You can read the full length article here.

Clearly, this case only serves to reinforce that the importance of operational due diligence before any investment is made is paramount. Most due diligence professionals would have identified problems with investing in Madoff Funds.  Since Madoff...there has been more awareness of the need for strong due diligence. To explore more related topics and test your knowledge in the Due Diligence Challenge, join us at the 6th Annual GAIM Ops Cayman.

Let us know what you think: Do you believe Mr. Madoff?

Finance + Social Media =

So the verdict is in - social media makes sense. Many companies are embracing it as a mainstream business practice. How about Finance? Where do you stand on social media?

In a recent article at CFO.com Dave McCann states "Amid the chatter, companies are beginning to achieve tangible benefits".

He gives a few examples such as Ford:
Ford Motor was preparing last year's North American launch of the Fiesta, it didn't just make social media part of its strategy: its initial marketing push relied solely on social media. The automaker supplied Fiestas to a mere 100 people to drive for six months. But they were the right 100 people, so-called digital influencers (bloggers, podcasters, YouTube celebrities, and automotive journalists) who cranked out videos, tweets, blog posts, photos, and other media relating to the car.

Old Spice:
2010's Old Spice's "Smell Like a Man, Man," became a viral video sensation after being posted on YouTube and Facebook, racking up more than 100 million views in five months.

And some others, but failed to include any information about how financial institutions are using or NOT using social media.

I think banks, credit card companies and others should be using social media to its fullest; either by listening to their customers and doing customer service via social or setting up communities where users can get info quickly and share positive word of mouth experiences about that financial service.

Here is a PPT presentation I found which addresses some of my questions.

How Financial Institutions Can Use Social Media to their Advantage

View more presentations from Ryan Buchanan.

At the end of the day I think with proper training and setting up expectations financial institutions should be using social media to some degree.

David even included some stats in his article:


A 2010 study by communications firm Burson-Marsteller found that 65% of the largest global companies had Twitter accounts, 54% had Facebook fan pages, and 50% had YouTube video channels. And research firm Gartner predicts that by 2014, social media will have surpassed e-mail as the primary communication vehicle for a fifth of business users.

By 2014; Gartner predicts that SM will surpass email as the primary communication method. Wow - Finance are you prepared?

Hedge Fund Strategy Interview Steinbrugge

Jan. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Don Steinbrugge, chairman of Agecroft Partners, talks about his investment strategy for hedge funds. Steinbrugge speaks with Lisa Murphy on Bloomberg Television's "Fast Forward." (Source: Bloomberg)

-- Steinbrugge Likes Long-Short Equity, CTA Hedge Funds: Video

Will you be starting a hedge fund in 2011?

A hedge fund refers to an investment company that is unregulated. It is usually riskier than traditional investment funds such as mutual funds, and hedge funds take long and short positions in bonds, stocks, commodities and other investment products. There are profits to be made from starting your own hedge fund business. Hedge funds generally cater to sophisticated investors with large amounts of capital such as very wealthy individuals, pension funds and university endowments.

It can be quite complex to start your own hedge fund. Not anymore – we’ve given you the steps below (thanks VF) You should have a lot of experience in investments. However, you can seek advice from a qualified lawyer to help you. They can give you support in drafting an operating agreement for your hedge fund as well as determining the corporate structure for the business.

As per this article

Step 1. Create a hedge-fund team!
Step 2. Name your fund!
Step 3. Hire a law firm!
Step 4. Get that anchor capital!
Step 5. Get a prime broker!
Step 6. Check into your very own hedge-fund hotel!
Step 7. Hire a good P.R. person!

So again – are you going to start your own Hedge Fund in 2011? If yes, you should be going to the 6th Annual GAIM Ops Cayman conference to meet indsutry peers and really learn the ins and outs of the hedge fund industry.

The Premier Event Strengthening Operational
Due Diligence in Response to Game Changing Industry Trends
The hedge fund industry is in a state of flux due to new regulations, industry consolidation, difficulty in attracting new capital and increasing investor demands. The 6th Annual GAIM Ops Cayman will educate and inform you on these critical issues and give you the opportunity to discuss how they will change due diligence and compliance processes moving forward.

New for 2011
- Comprehensive Regulatory Guidance
- With over 5 hours of in-depth coverage and peer to peer discussions
- OTC Derivative Rules
- Implications of Hedge Fund Registration
- Ramifications of Dodd Frank Act
- Surviving an SEC Exam
- SEC, FSA and CIMA Updates
- Impact of the Volcker Rule
- How to Recover Assets from Wind-Up Petitions
- Tailor Your Due Diligence Interviews
- Examine Emerging Managers with Little or No Prior Hedge Fund Experience
- Verify Independence of Counterparties and Evaluate Whether an On-Site Visit is Required
- Examine Emerging Managers with Little or No Prior Hedge Fund Experience
- Expose Potential Conflicts of Interest that Jeopardize Future Investors
- Align Your Business With Next Generation Due Diligence Practices
- With 28 Comprehensive Panel Discussions and Working Groups
- Candid discussions from the Investor Perspective
- Why Fund of Funds Might Not Invest in Your Fund
- Expose Potential Conflicts of Interest that Jeopardize Future Investors

img credit: http://www.hedgeco.net

Today's hedge fund industry news

Hedge fund industry news for Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011:

Ackman’s Pershing Square LP Fund up 29.7% in 2010. (Dow Jones Newswires)

Someone recorded that speech Max Holmes gave about how to send sketchy emails without getting caught. (Clusterstock, HT to Teri Buhl)

Hedge funds focused on Bric gain over 13% in ‘10. (Financial Chronicle)

Nine Masts Investment Fund returns 20%. (Bloomberg

Hedge funds pinched by health care reform. (DealBook)

Tiffany and Adobe on Bernheim, Drefus’s list of potential 2011 takeover targets. (HedgeWeek)

Dow Jones Credit Suisse index up 11% in 2010. (FINalternatives)

SKCG survey shows hedge funds pay more, get less from health insurance plans. (FINalternatives)

Brevan partners split £204 million. (FINalternatives)

Headstart launches emerging markets fund. (FINalternatives)

People moves

FBR Capital Markets appoints new head of distressed sales. (HousingWire)

Tower Research vet DeGiacinto sets up hedge fund shop. (FINalternatives)

The 6th Annual GAIM Ops Cayman conference will examine the critical changes affecting the hedge fund industry and discuss how it will change due diligence, compliance and risk management procedures going forward. In 2010, attracting new capital has been difficult because investors have become increasingly more sophisticated. Savvy Fund-of- funds and hedge funds must enhance their due diligence process to focus on:

Latest Regulatory Changes

• Impact of Hedge Fund Registration
• Changes in OTC Derivative Rules
• Understanding the Examination Process
• Global Legislation Implications
• Shifting Focus at the SEC
• New Pay to Play Rules

Impact of Latest Trends on Due Diligence and
Compliance including:

• Rise of Seeding Funds
• Implications of the Economy
• Evaluating Conflicts of Interest
• Understanding UCITS
• Hedge Fund Redomicilation
• Trends in Prime Services
• Independent Board Members
• Ensuring Compliance with Fund Documents

Keynote Speakers

GAIM Ops Cayman provides an unrivaled opportunity to:

• Stay updated on the latest regulatory changes affecting hedge funds
• Implications of the Economy
• Network with over 100 Speakers representing the majority of due diligence reviews performed in the industry
• Meet with your Cayman Partners while you attend the conference

Are you registered for this event? Click here to learn more now.

Don't forget to join the linkedin group to engage with like minded peers: http://linkd.in/gA4yMY

The Difference Between Hedge Funds

In this video interview from the Financial Post Jonathan Chevreau asks David Kaufman, President of Westcourt Capitals what the difference is between hedge funds. Jonathan begins by stating that there are 2 hedge funds, including one that doesn't even hedge. Make sure to check out the 5 minute clip below.